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Appreciating the Good

by Mary Stella on August 27, 2015

The last couple of months have reminded me, okay, they’ve actually hammered home to me to never take feeling good for granted. To borrow from Joni Mitchell, “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone”.

I felt physically terrific for so many months that when the heel pain started and intensified, making it excruciatingly painful just to walk, I was floored. For years when I was heavier, I was mostly sedentary. As I aged, I was sedentary and ached all of the time. Even when I wasn’t active, I experienced aches and pains.

Having that begin to fade as I became less and less active affected me in ways other than physical. Emotionally and mentally I started to suffer too. Today, after the plasma rich platelet treatments and the acupuncture, my tissues and tendon have healed and it no longer feels like I’m driving a hot spike into my heel with each step. My knee still has a few minor creaks and twinges, but the pain in that joint is also greatly reduced. I can walk without pain again, finally.

I am so grateful. I value and appreciate this state more than you know. To be able to practice Tai Chi, walk the dogs, and even do my job lifts my spirits. I’m reconnecting with my desire to move and exercise more. Tomorrow is my first full rowing class. I’m even getting up earlier than usual so I can make the 7 a.m. class.

It’s also been a better week for me food-wise. I think physically feeling better contributes to reducing my food obsessions and compulsions. I believe the acupuncture also is having a very positive effect, too. Eating more responsible portions and making healthier choices overall have come easier to me this week. It’s important for me to acknowledge this too.

Maybe it’s not that I take things for granted, but more that I don’t take time to sit still, think about the good, and acknowledge it in my life. I’m going to make it a point to embrace and appreciate the good – every day. Doing so empowers me and strengthens my foundations.